More than six decades of fraternal and deep friendship between Cuba and India

By: María Josefina Arce

Cuba and India have forged for 65 years a fraternal and deep friendship, based on respect, solidarity and common principles such as the defense of peace, independence and the rights of the nations of the South.

Both States maintain a fluid dialogue and an exchange of visits at the highest level, with the interest of continuing to strengthen the existing political, economic and cultural ties.

The Asian country's collaboration with Havana through programs such as Technical and Economic Cooperation in agriculture and energy stands out.

In recent years, New Delhi has granted credit lines to the Greater Antilles to support its socio-economic progress and develop programs in important areas.

Both sides believe that there are ample prospects for the development of cooperation in areas such as biotechnology, energy, tourism, agriculture and other sectors.

A collaboration that will benefit from the recent incorporation of Cuba as an associate state in the BRICS Group, of which the Asian country is a founding member and which promotes solidarity.

Over the course of more than six decades, there have been many signs of support between the two nations. Recently, the Indian government donated medicines and raw materials necessary for their production, considering the complex panorama of the Caribbean country due to the obstacles imposed by the U.S. blockade and the damage caused by the scourge of two hurricanes and earthquakes.

The Indian government and people have always expressed their rejection of the genocidal blockade that the United States has maintained against the Cuban people for more than six decades, despite the condemnation of the international community.

Relations between Cuba and India have been described as exemplary by Cuban President Miguel Díaz Canel, who has highlighted the respect and cooperation that characterize them.

For this year, there is the will and the willingness of both States to continue working for the welfare of their citizens and to continue defending peace and the sovereignty and independence of peoples at the international level.